Jarryd Hayne believes State of Origin has prepared him for NFL intensity

Jarryd Hayne says the intensity of State of Origin will help him in his battle to make it in NFL as he begins a 12-month campaign to become the first NRL star to play American football at the highest level.

Under no illusions: Jarryd Hayne says he is even below rookie status. Photo: Getty Images

Just five days after the bombshell announcement that Hayne was quitting Parramatta for a shot at the NFL, the 26-year-old flew out of Sydney on Sunday night convinced he had the support of the rugby league community behind him as he pursues his dream. While he does not know what lies ahead, Hayne said the experience of playing 20 Origins for NSW has prepared him for any challenge he will face in his quest to find an NFL club for the 2015 season.

"I have been to hell and back in Origin, I have been to the pinnacle of rugby league, and I look forward to trying my best in NFL," Hayne told reporters at a media conference organised by Hawaiian Airlines, who are sponsoring him in his quest to break into the NFL.

"Obviously a lot I have learned from rugby league has prepared me for this but you can prepare as much as you want and when you go into battle it is a completely different thing. I know that – I have been in places where I haven't felt comfortable before.

"I have prepared for big games here in rugby league and when I have gone to the game it is something completely different. NFL being the challenge that I am looking forward to, it is going to be completely different. It doesn't matter how hard I prepare, it is going to be different and I am aware of that and I am looking forward to it."

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With his move having created headlines worldwide, Hayne has attracted interest from several NFL franchises including Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions and Baltimore Ravens, whose assistant general manager Eric DeCosta said last week: "We beat every bush looking for players. We look internationally and if we find an athlete with the passion and an NFL skill set, we'll go after him."

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But Hayne is aware the publicity he has attracted will also make him a target for players he is competing with for positions next season. "That is part of the challenge," he said. "It is nothing like what we wouldn't do at Parramatta – if a new kid came onto the block at Parra we would definitely test him out and push him to the limits and see if he can cut it.

"I am under no illusions, there is nothing that anyone has said that I haven't thought of or I haven't prepared for. I am a rookie, I am probably below a rookie because rookies have got a lot more knowledge than me and are probably in better shape than me so I have got a mountain to climb and that is why I am doing it, to climb that mountain. I am focused, I know what I am over there for, I have got to train hard and after this interview I am done with all the media and it is time to go to work."

Asked if he had considered the prospect of failing, Hayne said: "Sure, but I don't fear failure so it doesn't bother me". Despite leaving the Eels at a time when the club appears to be building following their most successful season in four years, Hayne said he had experienced goodwill from fans and others across the game.

"It has really blown my mind the amount of support I have received from people in general and even people who don't watch rugby league, just with the challenge I have set myself up with," he said. "I think the biggest reaction I got was from people texting me saying it is making them want to chase their dreams, it is making them want to get off the lounge and given them confidence."

Poll

Will Jarryd Hayne fulfill his dream of playing in the NFL?

Yes - he's got the talent to make it60%

No - the challenge will be too tough40%

Total votes: 19798

Poll closed 23 Oct, 2014

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